Controlling mechanism for stokers.



' W. J. KENNEY & H. P. GROHN. CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR STOKERS.

APPLIYCAVTIOH FILED JUNE 10, 1910. 1,0 7,952, Patented Feb. 24., 1914. v 11 SHEEN-833m 1.

W. J. KENNEY & H. P. GROHN. CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR STOKERS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 10, 1910.

1,087,952. I Patented Feb.24, 1914.

I 11 sums-51mm 2. J2

. InvEfiIBr Tea/y lg 1111mm I J-iezangg rm n AIIDIIIEHS W. J..KBNNBY & H. P. GROHN.

CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR STOKERS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 10,1910. I 1,087,952. Patented Feb. 24, 1914.

'11 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

, Henr P Gruhn W. J. KENNEY & H. P. GROHN. CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR STOKERS. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 10, 1910 1,087,952. Patented Feb. 24, 1914.

l1 SHEETS-SHBBT 1.

\ Invenrurs WiTl'lE: 55 E. 5: William 1.]. Kern-1E5 Henry E Er'uhn W. J. KENNEY & P; GROHN. V CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR STOKERS.

APPLIOA'IION FILED JUNE 10, 1910. 1 87 952 Patented Feb. 24, 19,14

7 11 SHEETS-SHEET 5 W. J. KENNEY & H. P. GROHN. GONTROLLING MECHANISM POB- STOKERS. APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 10, 1910.

1,087,952. Patnted Feb. 24, 1914,

' n sums-sung a.

Jj jgy 'f FAY 1 m v A g}? at W. J. KBNNBY & H. P. GROHN CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR STOKERS.

APPLIGATION FILED JUNE 10,1910. 7 g -987 952 htented Feb. 24, 19M

11 mama-sum 7.

' 1m enfur' a William TlKEI'lTIEH "Win 155555:

Henry F3. Er'mhn L WWW W. J. KENNEY & H. P. GRO HN.

CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR STOKERS.

Arrmoulofi FIL D mm: 10, 1910. 1 087,952, Patented Feb. 24, 1914.

' 11 SHETSBHEET a.

Inv anInrs William J. Kenne fi 22% H P G h I EDITH PE! I1 a n-T l W. J. KENNEY & H P. GROHN. CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR STOKERS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 10, 1910.

' 1,087,952. 7 Patented Feb. 24/1914,

11 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

azgyl's W. J. KENNEY & H. P. GROHN. CONTROLLING MECHANISM FOR STOKERS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 10, 1910.

0 7 952 Patented Feb. 24, 1914. I 11 sums-sum: 10.

v Invenftms WiInE s 5 E '5: VVilliEim J. KE'nnE j v HEI'JEHEEI'UhH i %7r M. 3 W

Afturnggs v W. J. KBNNEY & H. P. GROHN. GONTROLLINQMEGHANISM FOB. STOKERS/ APP IGKTION'TILED JUNE 10, 1910.

' Patented Feb. 24, 1914.

ll SHEETS-SHEET 11.

.Tnveninps Wline s s e s: William J.Kenne Henr E Gr'nhn (Z Afiurnggs WILLIAM J. AND nanny r. scans, on cnrcnoo, ILLINOIS, assmnoas no ennnnssnn s'roxnn conranr or AMEBESA, or cnrcaso, rumors, A cannons TION or new JERSEY.

CUNTROLLING MECHANISM FOR STOKER-S.

pecification of Letters Patent.

Patented Felon ea, 1%. Application filed June 10, 1910. Serial hlo. 566,139. I

Too?! lzom ti/my runner/1.: our inventionis characterized will herein lie it known that we, lVILLiAM J. Kntzafter he pointed out with particularity in may and Hnxnr P. Gaoriiv, citizens of the the clainisg but fora full. understanding of United States residing at Chicago county our invention in its various aspects, and the 5 oi Cook titate of Ilhn ns, have invented various objects and advantages thereof, rel.-

a certa n new and useful Inqn'oveinent in erence is to he had to the following detailed Controlling Mechanism for Stokers, and description taken in connection with the co declare the following to he a full, clear, and coinpanving drawings wherein: exact description of the same, such as will Figure his a diagrammatic view showine, lo enable others skilled in the art to which it a battery of four boilers equipped with pertains to inake and use the .sai'ne refeu S )l 1SCOI1lZIOll6(llI1 accordance with a preencc being had to the acconioanving drawferried. form of our invention; Fig, 2 is a inns, which form part of this spccifiside view on an enlarged scale showing one cation i of the stoker cylinders and the valve and Specifically considereih our invention rcvalve actuating mechanism adjacent therelates to automatic stokcrs and particularly to, parts oi the cylinder being broken away; to controlling mechanism for the cl'iarging' Fig. 3 is a view looking towarcl'th'e right cha i in Fig. 2, the valve casin and the cylin- Viewcd in this aspect. our invention has er containing the controlling piston heing for one of its objects the provision of a can shown in section; Fi 4: is aplan View on trolling system which will permit the an enlarged scale of the selective connect charging mechanism to be controlled in a ing mechanism between the valveand consiniple and-convenient manner from a re- "trolling piston, the View being one looking niote point. down in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of A further object oif our invention is to the selective mechanism, the positions of the secure a simple and cfiicicnt controlling svsparts being those shown in Fig. 3, and portcni which will e'llcct the regulation of the tions heing broken away in order to expose fuel iced in such a manner as to maintain other portions normally hidden; Figs. 6, 7, any desired relation between the fuel supand 8 are side views showing the three prinply and the air supply. regardless of the cipal members of the selective mechanism in position 'of the blower or other source of the same relative angular positions as' in air relative to the stokcr. 9 is a section taken on line" Jr. further object of our invention is to il---9 of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of provide a stokcr with local controlling the arrows; Fig. 10' 15 a view similar to :55 means for the admission and exhaust of Fig. 5 showing the position of the parts steam or other motive power; together with just before the valve is caused to begin ts a master controlling device which may he first downward stroke; 11 is a, vie located at a remote point. similar to Fig. 10 showing the condition ck further object of our invention is to the parts at the completion of the dorm provide a stoker with valve mechanism so ward stroke of the valve; 12 is a viev-r arranged as to make the strokes of the similar to Figs. 10 and 11, showing the con charginginechanisni quick and positive. clition of the parts just as the valve reaches A further objectof our invention is to the upper limit of itsstroke; 1 18 :1 reduce the clearance space within the stoker view similar to 10 to 12 showing the 'cvlinder and the steam inlet conduits co :1 coiulition of the parts when the val; has inininnnn, been returned to its intermediate position While our invention. specifically considon the final downward stroke; 1. s a cred. relates to automatic stokers, there are bottom plan view of the rota able element manv features general in their application of the SPlQCl'lYQ ll1(:l12t1llSIn,. SllQWlllg it in 5 and therefore. in some of its aspects, our inthe position which it occupies in Fig. 1

' l is a side view of the regulator A vcntion is not to he considered as limited u 1G is a longitudinal SCCl lUll on to stohers. 7 V e 3i Thevarious features of novelty whereby 1l3--1(3 or Fr 17 Sh0W1I1g l as n .i

or) i which may take the. place of the piston valve in the foregoing'figures; Fig. 17 is a section on line 17-17 of Fig. 16; Fig. 18 is a section on line 18 l8 of Fig. 17; Fi 19 is a section on line 19-19 of Fig. 1 Fig. 20 is a side elevation of the master'con trollingvalve shown in Fig. l, the casing being shown in section; Fig. 21 is a section taken on line 9.1-21 of Fig. 20; Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement in which a single valve mechanism controls the admission and exhaust of steam totwo stokers; Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic view showing two valves and selective connecting mechanisms associated with a single actuating device; Fig. 24 is a diagrammatic view showing an electro -magnetic control system; and Fig. 25 is a side view of oneSof the commutators and associated brushes forming part of the electro-magnetic controlling system.

It is necessary, in order to'secure efficient re ults, that a definite relation shall exist between the air and the fuel supplied ,to furnacesi and, where there is a forced draft produced by a fan or blower, it is customary to control the fuel charging mechanism from 'the tan or blower so that the rate at which the fuel is fed depends upon the speed of the fan or blower. Ordinarily the blower; cannot conveniently be located immediately adjacent to the charging .cylinder of the stoking apparatus, and this has made it necessary to employ either a long counter shaft or similar transmission mechanism so as to bring the CODlL'lTJlllDQ, valves near the cylinder, or else long steam conduits leading from controlling mechanism adjacent to the blower to the charging cylinder. This is particularly true where there is a battery of furnaces and a single blower for supplying air thereto. In accordance with our invention, the controlling mechanism for, the charging cylinders is located adjacent to the cylinders so as to avoid the large clearance space resulting from long conduits; and a,

simple governing system is provided for the controller or controllers, such system including a master controller adjacent to the blower. By this arrangement cumbersome and inconvenient power transmission mechanism is avoided since the master controller may be connectedwith the eontrollersQ-for the cylinders by a single line of piping or by. a small electric cable.

ln .Fig. 1 of the drawings we have illustraled diagrammatically a battery of boilers with automatic Stoker-s and a controlling system for the stoker mechanism including a. fluid pressure line extending from the master controller at the blower to the local con trol lers at the cylinders. Referring to this figure A, ACA and it? represent boilers having automatic stokcrs indicated at B. B, B

and B5} respectively. 5', 5,-?) andb represent thecharging cylinders of the stokers.

C represents a fan or blower driven in any being connected to a conduit 0 which supplies air to the furnaces beneath all of the boilers. D, D, D and D represent valve mechanisms adjacent to the several charging cylinders, Each valve mechanism is connected toithe corresponding charging cylinder by means of short conduits (Z and d which serve both as steam supply conduits and as exhaustconduits. Steam is admitted to the valve mechanismsfrom any suitable source as, for example, from a pipe E leading from ia header E common to all ofthe boilers. jacent to :the blower and actuated thereby in any suitable manner. In the arrangement shown, there is a conduit f leading from the master controller to a pipe f ivhiclr is-in turn connected to the several valve mechanisms by branch pipes f to f. The function of the master controlling valve is to produce variations in the pressure in the pipe or conduit f at regular intervals. Such variation and pressure can be effected in various ways, a simple and convenient way being to connect the pipe or conduit alternately to a source of supply of compressed fluid and to atmosphere. In the arrangement shown, the fluid medium is steam taken from the header through a pipe 0, the, valve serving to connect the pipe or conduit F alternately to the steam pipe 0 and to the exhaust port f. It will now be seen that by our improved arrangement the clearance between each cylinder and the controlling valve therefor may be reduced to a minim nm without introducing complications incident to a mechanical driving mechanism leading from the blower.

WVe shall now describe the controlling mechanism adjacent to each of the charging cylinders and, since these are all alike, :1 description of one will suffice for all; This mechanism is illustrated in Figs. 2 to 15 inelusive, and referring tmthese figures: G represents a valve casing C(lllttlllllllg a piston valve 1-1. The casing has two ports f/ and communicating respectively with the F is a master controller located ad pipes (l and (l which lead to the opposite I pipe d exhausting through the adjacent end of, the casing and through the exhaust pipe and the pipe (l' exhausting through the with the valve casing. The piston rod 2 adjacent end of the casing, the port .or passage and thence through the exhaust pipe. When the valve is moved downwardly,.the pipe (5 remainsconnected with the exhaust and the pipe (Z is connected with the supply pipe g Thussteam is admitted into one end. of the cylinder while the other end remains exhausted. .iVhen the valve is moved upwardly, the first operation is to cut ofli steam from the pipe (Z and connect this pipe to the exhaust, a continued upward movement resulting in the closing. of communi-' cation between the exhaust and pipe (2''. and placing this pipe in communication with the steam supply. Consequently, in the upper position of the valve, steam is admitted to the end of the cylinder which was exhausted in the other extremeposition of thd valve. It will be seen that each end of the cylinder exhausted before steam can enter the opposite end so that there is no back pressure at the beginning of a power stroke, and the action will be quick and positive. l urthermore, by placing the valve close to the cylinder, the clearance in the cylinders and pipes is reduced to a minimum so that quicker action and greater efiiciency obtained than in the arrangement where the valve is at a considerable distance from the cylinder, requiring long connections which increase the clearance. We prefer to actuate the valve by some local movable member which is controlled by the master controller and which is operatively connected to the valve by some sort of adjustable selective connecting mechanism. In the arrangement shown, the movable actuating member is in the form of a piston I arranged within a cylinder 1 which may conveniently be formed in the one casting projects through one end of the cylinder and between it and the-valve stem k is the selective connecting mechanism which will be hereinafter described. The pipe f communicates with the interior of the cylinder 1 at the end opposite that through which the piston rod projects. It will be seen that iever steam is admitted into the pipe f, it enters the cylinder 1 beneath the piston and forces the piston upwardly. The clown- .ward moveu'zent of the piston may be accomplished in any suitable way as, for example, by imposing upon it a constant pressure in opposition to the pressure from below. In" the arrangement shown, the upper end of the cylinder is connected to the main steam pipe E by meansol a branch pipe 2'. The upper side of the piston, will therefore be alwa'a subjected to the steam pressure of the system; but, by reason of the smaller eiiective area of the upper side of the piston, an upward movement of the piston will be produced whenever steam is admitted upon the under side. When the pipe f is exhausted, the steam escapes from the lower end of the cylinder and the piston is forced downwardly by reason of the steam above it. If desired, a regulating valve 1 illustrated as aneedle valve, may be arranged between the pipe f and the interior of the cylinder so as to vary the rate of admission of steam beneath the piston. It will thus be seen that as the blower revolves, the master valve is driven so as alternately to admit steam to and exhaust steam from the 'lower end of the actuating cylinder.

The selective connecting mechanism is most clearly shown in Fig. 3 and, on a larger scale, in Figs. 5 to 15. Mounted upon the bracket K above the upper ends of the piston rod and valve stem, is a horizontal stud L. Upon the stud are mounted, the one in front of the other, a rotatable selective element M, a driving member N and a driven member 0. These three members are shown in'detail in Figs. 6 to 8, they being illustrated in the positions which they occupy in Fig. 3 where the valve is in its intern'iediate position. Each .of the members M, and 0., is loosely mounted upon the stud so as to be free to rotate thereon. The member Ns connected to the upper end of the piston rod. i by means of a link 2' and the member 0 is connected to the upper end of the valve stem by means of a link lb The member M is in the form of a ratchet wheel having a mutilated portion at and laterally projecting hub members M and M The driving member N carries a pawl N which is adapted to engage the ratchet teeth on the member M so as to rotate the latter step by step as the member N is oscillated. The driving mem-- her also has a wide pawl N having separated noses n' and 91. The nose n is adapt.- ed to ride upon the hub M which is provided at one point in its periphery with a notch on into which the nose at is adapted to drop in a predetermined angular position of the member M. The hub of the member 0 is provided with. a flange 0 ex tending circumferentially thereof, the flange being cut away at two points so as to form astop or lug 0. The arm 0 to which the link it is attached extends radially beside the lug 0 near one end ofthe latter. The parts are so proportioned that the members 0' and 0 lie in the path of the nose of of the pawl N engagement between the lug 0 and the pawl being norn'ially prevented, however, by reason of the fact that the pawl is hold up as long as the pawl a is clear of the notch or depression on. The member ;N carries a third pawl i this pawl being double ended and having one end, a .in the plane-of the lug 0 and the other end, a in the plane bf a lug m on the hub M 1 IS a spring terding normally to hold the pawl 01, above thellug 0" so as to clear the same during the mpvement of the parts. Q is a pawl engaging with the ratchet teeth on the member M so as to prevent backward movement of this member.

The operation is as follows: Normally the valve occupies'the position shown'in Fig? 3 ancl-the other partsmay -be assumed to be r/ occupying" the positions illustrated in this figure. 'As heretofore explained, the opera member N to be turned in the clockwisedi rection, the pawlflN enga ging with the ratchet-teethon the selective element and "turning the latter through a predetermined angle. When the piston moves downwardly, the pawl travels backward over the ratchet zoteeth and the member M remains stationary by reason of the engagement of the pawl Q, with the ratchet teeth. Upon each upward movement of the piston the member M is moved forward astep, the length of which depends upon a regulating device to be hereinafter described, until the notch m is brought beneath the nose n of the pawl N as indicated in Fig. 10. This permits the nose n of the pawl to drop down in front of the lug 0 on the driven member. During the next upward stroke of the piston the member M is rotated by the member '11 and, when the member 11, engages with the lug 0, the driven member is carried alongthereby until the parts assume the positions indicated in Fig. 11. The valve is now in its lowermost position so that steam is admitted to the ram end of the charging-cylinder. Upon the next downward stroke of the actu- 40 ating piston. the driven member remains stationary until. the pawl a engages with the lug 0 and thereafter the driven member is turned in the counter-clockwise direction until the position of the parts illustrated in Fig. 12 is reached. It will be seen that in Fig. 11 the lug m lies in the path of the pawl 71. so that the latter is raised thereby upon the backward movement of the driving member, thus forcing the pawl 11 downwardly behind the lug 0. WVhen the parts 1 upwardly, into one of, the upper holes, the

occupy the positions indicated in Fig. 12 the valve is at the upper end of its movement so that steam is being admitted to thefront end of the charging cylinder and the ram forced inwardly to feed more coal into the furnace. On the next down stroke of the actuating pistonthe nose n of the pawl N rides above the h1g0 (because the notch 911/ has passed from beneath the nosen) and engages with the arm 0 causing the driven member to be rotated from the position indicated {in F i g. 12 to that indicated in Fig. 13. VVhen the piston moves downwardly the drivenmemher and the rrlember M remain stationary so tliat after'the downward stroke thcparts are nos-7,952

again in the positions indicated in Fig. 5' and the valvewill thereafter remain stationary .in its, intermediate position until the member M has been moved around; tcp by step and brought again into the position illdicated in Fig. 10. It will be seen thatin" moving from the positions indicated in Fig. 12 to those indicated in Fig. 13, the pawl n" engages with the lug m and causes the member M to be partially rotated independ. ently of the pawl N. It will now be seen: that the valve is positively moved nto its three positions by three successive strokes of "the actuating piston, while thereafter it re,-

mains in;the exhaust. position for an iherval of time depending upon the length'of the steps through which the rotary member of the selective mechanism is moved. It is therefore possible to varythe relation between the air and the coal supplied to the g v furnace by varying the length of the steps through which the rotary element of the selective mechanism is moved during the time the valve remains stationary; regulation being effected without altering the operation of the parts during the moving of the valve into its successive positions.

The regulating arrangcment'is most clearly shown in Figs. 4-, 5, 9, 10 and 15. Behind the member M we have mounted upon the stud a swinging arm R having a laterally projecting flange r which is adapted to overlie the ratchet teeth on the .mclnber M. Upon the free end of the arm is a spring finger or dog S which is adapted to enter any one of a series of openings T arranged in the arc ofa circle in the bracket K. In the arrangement illustrated there are nine of these openings, and the pin is shown in the middle opening. By examining Fig. 5 it will be seen that the pawl N rides upon the flange 1" and does not engage with one of the ratchet teeth until the driving member has moved through a considerable angle. It will be seen that if the regulating arm is swung downwardly so as tobring the pin into one of the lower holes, the pawl will engage with the ratchet teeth at anlcarlicr pointin the movement of the driving mem' her; while upon swinging the regulating arm pawl will not engage with a ratchetl tooth until a later point in the upward stroke of the driving member. By shifting the regulating arm up orv down from the. position indicated, the valve may be caused to be actuated less often or with greater frequency during a given nu tilieeof-rota-tions of the blower and therefore the" relation between the fuel supply and the air supply mayibe' 12 varied to suit the conditions. l Fig. 10 makes clear another feature of the selective mechanism. It will be seen that during the upward stroke which brought the parts into the positions indicated, the pawl i30 N rode for a time upon the mutilated porpose of the mutilated portion being to cone- 1 pel thepawl to'engage with the tooth immediately in advance of the mutilated portion whenever the lastangle through which the rotary element is to be moved before it is brought into the position indicated in Fig 10 is less than the angle through which it was moved in the preceding step and compelling the rotary element to be carried into a final position which brings the not-ch m beneath the pawl n.

In Figs. 20 and 21 we have illustrated a master valve which may be employed to admit the exhaust steam from the pipe f. This valve comprises a cylindrical casing F containing a cylindrical valve F The pipe 6 leads into one end of the casing so as to introduce steam into the interior of the valve. F is an elongated port cut through the wall of the valve and extending a considerable distance around the same, this port being in the same transverse plane as the point at which, the pipe f leads into the easing.- lVhcn the parts are in the positions indicated in Figs. 20 and 21 steam passes through the port F and into the pipe f. Diametrically opposed to the port F is a second port F which is formed loy reducing the exterior diameter of the cylindrical valve between the ends thereof for a length equal to the distance between the end of the pipe f and the exhaust port f. When the valve is turned until the port F 3 passes beyond the mouth of the pipe f, the port F comes ,opposite the end of this pipe and permits the pipe to exhaust through the exhaust outlet f.

Instead of using a piston valve for admitting steam' to and exhausting steam from the charging cylinder, we may employ a rotary valvh somewhat similar to the master valve heretofore described. Such a rotary valve may consist of a cylindrical casing U having ports a and a, corresponding to the ports 5/ and g, a steam inlet 2& corresponding to the steam inlet 9 and an ex iaust port a corresponding to the "exhaust pipe g in the other form. \Vithin the casing is a cylyndrical valve U open at one end so that steam entering the casing through the port it enters the interior of the valve.

a is a port extcu ding'through the side of the valve in .pcsitiojndo register with either the port a or the port 24 depending upon the angular position of the valve. 7 6 is another port formed about the exterior of the valve by reducing the exterior diameter of the valve between. the ends thereof fora length equal to the distance between the'ports u and a I U is a valve stem projecting through the adjacent end of the casing and adapted to be connected to the' actuating member by the counterclockwise direction, the port a is first connected to the exhaust port and then steam is admitted into the pipe connected with port a. A. movement of 45 degrees, in the clockwise direction brings the valve back to the position indicated, where it remains at rest until the selective mechanism; again connects it with the actuating member and causes the cycle of operations to be repeated.

Where two charging cylinders are arranged fairly close together, as indicated at 7) and b in Fig. 22, a single valve mechanism D may be employed for controlling the admission and exhaust ofsteam to both cylinders. In this arrangement, the pipe d" and d corresponding to the pipes 01 and d" in Fig. 1, branch so' as to be connected t both cylinders.-

It may sometimes be desirable to have a single actuating member for a plurality of valves and this may conveniently'be accomplished by introducing between each valve and the actuating member a selective mechanism similar to that heretofore described. We have shown diagrammatically such an indicated at G", G and-a single actuating mechanism at I". The selective mechanism is illustrated as difiering fromthe one just described in that a single revolubie shaft I takes the place of the stub shaft, the driving,

members N'bcing fixed to this shaft, andtho shaft being oscillated by the actuating member. 1 1

Instead of using fluid pressure in the Controlling system forthe valves and local controllersywe may employ an electromagnetic system. Such an arrangement is illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25, wherein s: an electromagnet V is substituted forthe actuating piston I, the magnet being in turncontrolled from a circuit making and breaking device driven I by the blower. In the arrangement shown,

the magnet consists of a core 0 and two coils o and 0 one of tlIBCOIlS being intended to move the core in one direction and the other in the "opposite direction. Driven by the blower are .two mechanically connected coihmutators W and W' each having two brushes, one of which is connected to a line conductor X. The second brush associated with the commutator Wis connected to one terminal of the coil 'vby a vvirg w. The second brush associated with tliecommutator W is connected to one terminal of the coil o -by' Wi'res The other terminals of the two coils are connected to line wire X by a conductor a Each commutator is illustrated as having two bars indicated atw and 'w and the commutators are so arranged that when current is flowing between the brushes of one, the brushes of the other are insulated from each other. Thus it will be seen that the magnet core is acted upon alternately by the two coils and is drawn back and forth in the same manner as the piston in the first form of our invention described. It will, of coiirse, be understood -that a particular electrical system illustrated is only diagrammatic and that the arrangement may be widely varied so long as there is an electric or electro-magnetic control system including a master controller actuated by he blower.

scribed; but intend covering all constructions and arrangements which fall within the terms employed in the definitions of our invention'constituting the appended claims.

We claim: '1. In an automatic stokmg apparatus, a charging cylinder adapted to be connected.

with a furnace to be fed, a blower mecha nism for supplying air to such furnace, a

valve device adjacent to said cylinder for controlling the admission and exhaust of steam thereto, local actuating, mechanism for said valve device including a rcciprocablc 40 member, actuating means for said member.

a controlling system for said actuating means including a controller arranged adacent to said blower mechanism, and means driven by said blower mechanism and connected to'l aid controller for actuating said controller.

' 2. In 'a stoker apparatus, a charging cylinder adapted to be connected to a furnace to be fed, a valve device arrangedclose to said cylinder for conlrollino the admission and exhaust of steam, an :ctuating means '4 for said val vc device located adjacent thereto, an energizing system for said actuating means extending therefrom to a remote point, a controller for said system locat-edat said remote oint, a blower mechanism located at said remote point and adapted to supply air to such furnace, and means driven by'said blower mechanism and conto nected to said controller-{for actuating said controller. i

o. In a stoker appaiatus, a charging cylinder adapted ttflie connected to a furnace to be fed, a blower mechanism adapted to supply air to such furnace, a controller located adjacent to said cylinder for'governing the admission and exhaust of steam, a goyerning system for said controller including a master controller adjacent to the blower mechanism, and means driven by said blower mechanism and connected to said master controller for actuating said master controller.

- 4-. In a stoker apparatuaa charging cyl{ inder adapted to be connected to a furnace to be fed, a valve device for said cylinder 10-. cated adjacent to the cylinder, 9. fluid pres sure valve actuating means, a pipe extend-,5 ing from said actuating means toa remote point, a controlling valve in said pipe at said remote point, ablower mechamsr'lf'for supplying air to such furnace, andmean s driven by said blower mechanism and connected to said master controller for actuating the master controller.

6. In a stoker apparatus a eh'argin gjcylindcr adapted to be connected to a furnace to be fed; a valve device arranged to connect each end of the cylinder alternately tea supply of" steam and to angexhaust pol ties reciprocable member; mechanism arran f between said valve device and said mem for causing said deviceto connect one end-i the cylinder to the steam supply on one strolie of said member, to [exhaust the latter end of the cylinder and connect the other end of the cylinder to-the steam supply upon the return stroke of said member, and R o connect the last mentioned end of the cylinder to exhaust upon the following stroke of said member; means as'sociate'd wit said mechanism for thereafter causing sai' valve device to remain inactive during aprede tcrinincd number of strokes of said member; and means located at a remote point for controlling sai'df'ni'ember.

7 In a stoker apparatus: a charging ylinder adapted to be connected toa furnace to be fedya valve device arranged to connect each end of the cylinder alternately to a supply of steam and to an exhaust port; I"

reciprocable member, mechanism arranged III,

between said valve. device and sai member for causing said device to connect one end of the cylinder to the steam supply on one stroke of said member, to exhaust the latter end of the cylinder and connect the other flfifl end of the cylinder to the steam supply upon the return stroke of said member, and to connect: the last mentioned end of the cylinder to exhaust upon the following stroke of said member; means associated with said mechanism for thereafter causing said valve device to remain inactive during a predetermined number of strokes of said member; means locatedat 'a remote point for controlling said member, and a regulator for ,varying the number of strokes during which said valve remains inactive.

8. In combination: a charging cylinder adapted to be connected to a furnace to be fed; conduits leading to opposite ends of said cylinder; a steam supply pipe; a casing connected to said conduits and to said pipe and having an-exhaust port; a three-position valve in said casing, said valve being constructed and arrangedto connect said supply pipe to one of said conduits in each: of the extreme positions of said valve and to connect both of said conduits to the exhaust portin an intermediate position; and controlling means for said valve constructed and arranged to move said valve from the intermediate position into one extreme posi tion, then to the other extreme position, then back to the intermediate position, and then cause the valve to remain stationary for a predetermined period.

9. In combination: a charging cylinder adapted to be connected to a furnace'to be fed; conduits leading to opposite ends of said cylinder; a steam supply pipe; a vcasing connected to said conduits and'to said pipe and having an exhaust port; a three-position valve in said casing; said valve being constructed and arranged to connect one of said conduits to said supply pipe and the other conduit to said exhaust port in each extreme position of the valve and to connect both of said conduits to said exhaust port in an intermediate position; and actu ating mechanism for said valve constructed and arranged to move said valve through successive cycles as follows: from the intermediate position to one extreme position; from the latter extreme position to the other extreme position; then back to the intermediate position where itis held stationary for a predetermined period before being moved again into-an extreme position.

10. In combination: a charging cylinder adapted to be connected to a furnace to be fed; conduits leading to opposite ends of said cylinder; a steam supply pipe; a casing connected to said conduits and to said p ipe and having an exhaust port; a three-position valve in said casing; said valve being constructed and arranged to connect'one of saidiconduits to said supply pipe and the other conduitto said exhaust port in each extreme position of the valve and to cone5 nect both of said conduits to said exhaust port in an intermediate position; actuating mechanism for, said valve constructed and arranged to move said valve through successive cycles as follows: from the intermediate position to one extreme position; from the latter extreme position to the other extreme position; then back to the intermediate position Where it is held stationary for a predetermined period before bein moved again into an extreme position; and a regulator for controlling the length of time during which said valve remains stationary in the intermediate position.

11. In combination: acharging cylinder adapted to be connected to a furnace to be 3.0

fed; a source of steam supply; a valve mechanism for alternately connecting opposite ends of the cylinder to' said source of supply; said valve mechanism' having an exhaust port and being constructed and arranged to connect both ends of the cylinder to said exhaust port in an intermediate position-of the valve and to connect one end of the cylinder to said source of supply while maintaining the other end of the cylinder -connected to the exhaust port in each extreme position ofthe valve; and actuating means for said valve constructed and arranged to move said valve successively from the intermediate position to an ex- 5 treme position, then to the other extreme position, then back to the intermediate posi- -tion, and to maintain the valve stationary for a predetermined length of time in the intermediate position. 109 12. In combination: a charging cylinder adapted to be connected to a furnace to be fed; a source of steam supply; a'valve mechanism for alternately connecting opposite ends of the cylinder to said source of sup- 101 ply; said valve mechanism having an exhaust port and being constructed and arranged to connect both ends of the cylinder to said exhaust port in an intermediate position of the valve and to connect one end of 110 the cylinder to said source of supply While {maintaining the other end of the cylinder connected to the exhaust port in each extreme position of the valve; actuating means for said valve constructed and M ranged to move said valve successively fromthe intermediate position to an extreme position, then to the other extreme position, then back tothe intermediate position, and

to maintain the valve stationary for a pre-. 13 determined length of time in the interme I diate position; and a regulator for varying I the length of time during which. said valve remains stationary in the intermediate position. i 126 13. In combination: a charging cylinder adapted to be connected to a furnace to be fed; a source of steam supply; avalve mechanism adjacent to saidcylinder for alternately connecting opposite ends of the cylno inder to said source'of'supply; said valve mechanism having an exhaust port and being constructed and arranged to connect both ends of the cylinder to said exhaust port in an intermediate position of the valve and t connect one end of the cylinder to said source of supply While maintaining the other end of said cylinder connected with the exhaust port in each extreme positio 'rof the valve; actuating means for said the valve stationary'for a predetermined" length of time in the intermediate position; and a remote controlling devicefor said 'actuating means.

14. In combination: a chargingcylinder adapted tobe connectedto a, furnace to be fed; a source of steam supply; avalve mech-.

anism adjacent to said cylinder for alternately connecting opposite entls of thecylinger to said source of supply; said valve mechanism having an exhaust, port and being constructed and arranged to connect both ends ofthe cylinder to isaid exhaust port in an intermediate position of the valve and to connect one end of the cylinder to said source of supply while maintaining the other end of the cylinder connected tothe exhaust port in each extreme position of the valve; and actuating means for said valve constructed and arranged to move said valve successively from the intermediate position to an extreme position, then to the other extreme position, then back tot-he. intermediate petition, and to maintain the' valvestationary for a predetermined length of time in the intermediate position; a regulator for, varying the length of time during which saiid' valve remains stationary in the intcrmedFate position; and a remote controlling device for said actuating means.

15. in an automatic stoker apparatus, a plurality of independent charging cylinders adapted to be connected to furnaces to'be fed, a valve device adjacent to each of said cylinder-s for controlling the admission and exhaust of steam, a local. actuating means for each device, independent adjusting means for each of said local actuating means, a common energizing system for said actuating means, a master controller in said energizing system, a blower mechanism for supplying air to such furnaces, and means. driven by ,szlltl blower mechanism ;and, con- 2 lncctcd liufiflltl mastercontroller for actuating the master controller.

, l 16. in a stokcr apparatus; a chargingcyl- 1 indcr adapted to be connectwl-ito a turnacc adaptml to supply air to su h furna e, a

to be fed; a valve device arranged to conncct. each end of the cylinder altcrnatcly to mechanism for thereaftercausing said valvev device to remain inactive during a rado termined number of strokes of said member; and means for actuating said member.

17. In a stoker a paratus; a char cylinder adapted to e connected to a r nace to be fed; a valve device arranged'to connect each end of the cylinder alternately to a supply of steam and to an exhaust port; a reciprocable inem-ber;mechanism arran d between said valve device and said memfir for causing said device to connect one end of the cylinder to the steam supply on one stroke of said member, to exhaustthg latter end of the cylinder and connect the other end to the steam supply upon the return stroke of said member, and to connect the la t mentioned end of the cylinder to an exhaust port upon the following stroke of said member; means associated with said mechanism for thereafter causing said valve deviceto remain, inactive during a predetermined number, of strokes of saidmember' actuating means for said member; an means located at a remote point for controlling said actuating. means.

18. In a stoker apparatus: a charging cyl- I between said valve device and said n enr.

her for causing said device to connectione end of the cylinder to the steam supply on one stroke of said member, to exhaust the latter eii'd oi the cylinder and connect the other embto the steam supply upon the return stroke of said member, and loconnect the last mentioned end of the cylinders to an. exhaust port upon thc following stroke of said. member; means. associated with said mechanism for thereafter causing said valve device to remain inactiivc during a predetermined. nuiubor oi strolrcs. ot? said member; and means for regulating the number of strokes during which said valve remains inactive 19. In an automatic stoking apparatus, a charging cylinder adapted tobc connected to a l'urnace to bci'ed, a blower nu-clianisni valve device adjacent to said cylinder for ,controlling the admission and exhaust of steam, a fiuicl pressure mechanism for ac- In testimony whereof, We sign this specifituating said valve. device, a pipe extending cation in the presence of two witnesses. from said mechanism toward said blower WILLIAM J. KENNEY. mechanism, a valve in said pipe adjacent HENRY P. GROHN.

' to the blower and means driven by said Witnesses:

blower mechanism and connected to the lat- Wu. F. FREUDENREICH, ter valve for, actuating that valve. RUBY V. BRYDGES. 

